Fathers

Role models change from generation to generation.  What is considered normal in one era seems out dated or even wrong in another and nothing says this more than gender roles.  They have so many layers it’s difficult to really sort them all out.

But of course that is what I am thinking about this morning after spending yesterday afternoon with family.  We had three generations of boys and men there, the middle one deeply involved in fathering at this time and it was his thoughts about that that sparked  my thots today.

Fathering runs the gamut from simply creating a child to being an active participant in raising that child.  A truly conscientious father who, in spite of his own basically fatherless childhood, wants and is succeeding at being a loving, affirming, empathetic, and firm parent has his work cut out for him.  It’s a big job.

He still has all the responsibilities that fathers of earlier generations had, but now he often has to deal with long distance parenting, or shared parenting, or even combined parenting.  He may not only have his own biological children to care for, but the children of other fathers or mothers.

When I meet bright, happy, loving children who are well behaved but still have distinct and flavorful little personalities I have so much respect for their parents and especially for the men who are turning out to be some of the best fathers I’ve ever encountered.

The next generation could possibly be one that stuns the world.  Stability in an ever changing world is a magnificent gift and in among yesterday’s birthday money and new clothes, there it was, quietly wrapping itself around four beautiful children.

Fathers, don’t ever underestimate their value.